This module develops understanding of the complex nature of sustainability and explores the current and future trends within sustainable supply chain management. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) explicitly highlight the role of corporate supply chains in contributing to sustainable development. Those taking this module will develop a critical understanding of the social and environmental issues that arise in global supply chains. The learners, who are future leaders, will explore sustainable supply chain strategies which can make a significant impact on societal welfare and environmental progress, thus honing their development as global citizens. The economic rationale for moving towards a sustainable business model and its positive impact on the resilience and stability of supply chains will be discussed.
This module provides coverage of the main sustainability aspects of logistics and supply chain management including logistics, carbon emission impact, purchasing, supplier management, circular economy, and stakeholder management.
Most recent happenings across the world regarding government policies and how to advance sustainability will be discussed and debated in the classroom.
Sustainability in the Context of Supply Chain Management
Globalisation and the lengthening of supply chains. Impact of SCM & logistics activities on the natural environment. The economic, social and environmental dimension of sustainability. The science of supply chain sustainability. (LO1)
SCM and the Governance of Sustainability
Corporate Social Responsibility. Global and industrial initiatives. The role of the corporation within the UN SDGs. Soft law, hard law, the political role of the corporation, Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s). Ethical frameworks and collaborative initiatives. (LO2)
Responsible Purchasing and Procurement
Supplier network. Engaging with suppliers. Drivers and barriers for ethical and green sourcing. Tools for ethical sourcing. (LO3)
Product Design
Design. Materials. Life Cycle Assessment. Production and consumption. (LO3)
Freight Transport
Environmental impact of freight transport. Modes of transport. Strategies to reduce the environmental impact of fright transport. (LO3)
Reverse Logistics & Recycling
Closed loop supply chains. Circular Economy. Regulations. Recycling and reverse logistics. (LO3)
The Social Dimension of Sustainable Supply Chains
Social sustainability constructs. Human rights. Labour issues. Emerging Economies. (LO2, LO3)Strategy in Sustainable Supply Chains
Sustainable supply chain performance measurement. Life cycle assessment. Internal measurement. Tracking suppliers. Traceability. (LO1, LO3, LO4)
Emergency Response Logistics
Logistical challenges. Responding to climate related humanitarian disasters. (LO3)
Learning and teaching will take place via lectures, recorded material, pre-reading, class discussion, case studies as well as reflecting on their learning journey.
Formal lectures are supplemented by structured classroom discussions while case studies provide a vehicle to integrate practical aspects of learning across all aspects of the module.
Students will have ample time to consider the ideas and apply the discussed knowledge and skills in their coursework.
Where appropriate, guest lectures from the SCM field will present on contemporary topics and students will be encouraged to attend sustainability events (speakers/panels) hosted by the University. The TLA will include an e-portfolio documenting the students leaning with a focus on feedback. This curriculum and authentic assessment is informed by the latest scientific evidence and policy formulation in education for sustainable development.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |